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Law firm set for collapse after takeover

The London division of King & Wood Mallesons is preparing to go into administration no later than January 16Dominic Lipinski/PA

The Asian law firm that has struggled since it took over SJ Berwin is heading for collapse in a demise that would send shock waves through the City and the international legal market.

It is understood that the London division of King & Wood Mallesons is preparing to go into administration no later than January 16, but City observers predict that the axe is likely to fall before Christmas.

This week, Dentons, another large international practice, withdrew from talks about a potential bailout, according to the legal trade press.

It is understood that non-lawyer staff have been told that December pay packets will be honoured, but then salaries will be paid weekly from the beginning of the year. Legal profession head-hunters said that there had…

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